Written by

Paul Egan

Detroit Free Press

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LANSING — State employees were sent safety cautions today in light of the explosive atmosphere at the Capitol surrounding the right-to-work legislation.

"Since right-to-work is an emotional issue, we wanted to be sure employees were aware and prepared," said Kurt Weiss, a spokesman for the Department of Technology, Management and Budget.

The cautions were sent by e-mail to all state employees by DTMB Director John Nixon, telling them to expect to see more Michigan State Police officers and other security officials around state facilities.

The e-mail cautions employees to look for suspicious persons or packages and avoid holding open doors to state buildings for people who don't have state government identifications.

Also, "avoid walking alone at night," the e-mail says.

"Remain alert and aware of your surroundings. Refrain from wearing headphones, texting or doing other things that are distracting while traveling on foot."

Employees were told to keep their cell phones charged and their keys in hand when they are approaching their vehicles.

"Look around your vehicle before you approach it. If something is out of place, run to safety and call for help."